Boiler problem closes high school in Hudson

10/10/2001

HUDSON, Mich. - Hudson Area Schools officials canceled classes yesterday because of a problem with the high school's newly installed boiler system.

The problem was the result of a bad connection that caused a chemical additive used in the boiler to leak into the kitchen's water system.

The water was being tested and will not be used for drinking or food preparation until it is proven to be safe, school officials said. Until then, bottled water will be provided.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Lenawee County health department, the city of Hudson, and the boiler contractor were at the school yesterday to assess and fix the problem.

School officials were told that the boiler additive contains propylene glycol, a substance often used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries.